Houston ISD Nurse Tackles Student Hunger with Backpack Buddy Program

Addressing Student Malnutrition

• 🩺 Nurse Gloria Larry, known as Nurse Larry at HISD's Anderson Elementary, dedicates herself to student health beyond typical duties.
• 💔 She observed signs of malnutrition in students, such as dry, unevenly growing nails and dry skin, which indicated they were going hungry.

The Backpack Buddy Program

• 🤝 Nurse Larry coordinates the Houston Food Bank's Backpack Buddy program at Anderson Elementary, a Khou11 partner initiative.
• 🎒 This program provides food-insecure students with enough food to sustain them through the weekend.
• 🌟 Parents have expressed deep gratitude, stating the program is a "lifesaver" for their families.

Nurse Larry's Proactive Support

• 🗓️ While typically distributing food on Fridays, Nurse Larry accommodates families needing assistance earlier in the week, sometimes as early as Wednesday.
• 📞 She receives calls from parents struggling financially between paychecks, demonstrating her commitment to immediate support.

Call to Action for Donations

• 💰 The program encourages donations, with every dollar contributing to providing three meals for students.
• 💻 Viewers can donate by scanning a QR code on screen to support the Backpack Buddy program and combat child hunger in Houston.